Day 1 (06-Oct-2012) Brisbane - New Plymouth

Departed office mid-afternoon on Friday 05-Oct-12 to leave just enough time for quick shower before the taxi arrived to take us to the airport. Flight departed on time two hours later, arriving in Auckland just after mid-night. After passing through immigration/quarantine formalities we collected the rental car (an old Nissan Sunny which has already covered 130,547km!) and drove through the night to New Plymouth. The journey involved having to endure howling gales, torrential rain, and a highly tortuous route, leaving us feeling very tired as we pulled into our Hotel at 06:10hrs. We thus took a short nap in the car waiting for the motel to ‘wake up’ at 07:30hrs.

After dumping our bags in the room we then immediately drove to the visitor centre on the flanks of Mount Taranaki (Mt Egmond). Braving the elements (fierce winds, cold and sleet) we embarked on (hurried) hike around the Veronia Loop Track, hoping for grand views of the summit and surrounding countryside – alas we were to be sorely disappointedL. That said, the hike through the dense sub-tropical rainforest, draped in moss and lichens, was very rewarding.

We then beat a hasty retreat back to town to load up on provisions and revive exhausted batteries with a cuppa. This was followed by a visit to the beach for a view of the Tasman Sea, which had been whipped up into a frenzy by the strong winds. The emerald green colour also looked less than inviting. After being chilled to the bone we elected to take a climb up Pukekura Rock for a panoramic view of the bay and Mt. Taranaki – NOT! Crest fallen, we headed off to Brookland Park for a hike through ancient native sub-tropical rain forest, which was truly spectacular. On arrival at the park we first took a tour of the small zoo, which, contrary to expectations, homes very endangered species from other countries (including the Gold  Tamarin – which is very cute, yet clearly unimpressed by his cold alien surroundings).

We then headed back to the coast for hike along the New Plymouth Costal Walkway, in anticipation of a more hospitable experience, which it was. In actual fact, I did the hiking while Astrid snoozed in the car. Finally, at 16:30hrs, with minds dulled, we limped back to the motel to finalise preparations for the trip to Wellington and cook dinner. Needless to say heads hit the pillow early!